Entertainment

Martha's Vineyard offers visitors plenty of entertainment options for day and night. While it's doubtful that many visitors venture to this island for the nightlife alone, at least the after-dark scene is livelier than that of its neighboring island of Nantucket. The real draw of the Vineyard is outside–the beaches, the salt marshes, the harbors filled with yachts.

Outdoor Recreation

That said, during the height of the summer season, a lively enough vibe does envelope certain sectors of the Island, Oak Bluffs most notably. After all, even the most devoted beachcomber or sailor likes to top off their day of outdoorsy pursuits with a lovely nightcap overlooking the harbor.

A good day on Martha's Vineyard often means a good day at the Island beaches–a day of sunbathing, beachcombing, maybe some surfing. The Vineyard is blessed with beaches of every variety. Those suited for families with small children tend to lie on the Nantucket Sound–the waves are minimal, the water is warm. More adventurous swimmers will make their way to the ocean beaches on the south side of the island. And those who can tolerate a hike and some of the most magnificent views on the Island will head to Gay Head (now officially referred to as Aquinnah).

Nature

After a few days of lying around on the beach many may feel the need for a little more action. And since many visitors to the Vineyard are city-dwellers, the call to the great outdoors can be compelling and persistent. A unspoken desire to hike, watch birds, perhaps even canoe or ride out into the sunset in a 'safari vehicle' overcomes you.

The good folks at the Trustee of the Reservation understand the call of the 'wild' and arrange tame yet beautiful excursions into the rough country of the Vineyard. Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque Reservation (East Shore), which is run by the Trustees, is one such piece of wilderness to explore. Think pristine barrier beaches, salt marshes and more. Explore during the course of daily, guided 3-hour trip on 'safari vehicle' or, for the more athletically inspired, on foot or by guided canoe trip. The Trustees also arrange twice daily fishing trips.

If bird watching is more to your liking, head to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is operated by the Mass Audobon Society precisely with this goal in mind. For a destination point that is more beach-centric head to Long Point Wildlife Refuge Beach on the island's south shore. Pristine beaches that go on for miles in either direction reward the hiker of this refuge.

Once the Vineyard's land-based wilderness areas have been sufficiently mined for fun and exploration, look out to the seemingly endless surrounding ocean for every kind of water-based fun imaginable. One of the most popular pursuits on the Vineyard for visitor and resident alike is sailing.

Edgartown, the quaint town of sea captain homes and picturesque harbor, is home to the Edgartown Yacht Club, which each year hosts the Edgartown Regatta. Those who thrill at the high drama of a race on the seas should be sure to be on Island for this annual event. Other smaller races are held here throughout the season.

If you care to be more active in your sailing pursuits but say, haven't learned how to sail yet, the Vineyard is the perfect place to learn. Call or visit the Island Sailing Schools of Martha's Vineyard, Inc. to schedule sailing lessons or to sign up to participate in sailing activities. The school offers instruction to all levels and all age groups.

The choice for those who can't decide between watching a yacht race with mint julep in hand or learning to maneuver on the high seas on your own, is the sailing charter. Head out onto the seas with drink in hand as a worthy captain takes charge of the sails. Catamaran Arabella is one such charter known to provide romantic sailing experiences around the Vineyard.

Nightlife

At the end of the day, the Martha's Vineyard restaurant and bar scene is often what passes for nightlife. Head to the harbor and grab a seat outside with friends at watering holes such as the Newes from America Pub in Edgartown. Or, if you’re yearning for a bit of culture, check out the offerings at the Vineyard Playhouse.

As mentioned, Oak Bluffs is one town on the Island that has a significant after-dark scene. Though one could never go so far as to call it a club scene, there are a few places where singles can mix it up on the dance floor or at the bar. Lola's is a favorite among locals and visitors alike with its live music and dancing. On Circuit Ave head to Balance or Seasons Eatery & Pub for drinks and friendly mingling.

Martha's Vineyard's entertainment scene has one long-standing tradition–Carly Simon's Hot Tin Roof (The). Located in the mid-Island town of West Tisbury and opened as a friendly experiment in entertainment almost thirty years ago, the Hot Tin Roof is a great place to gather for food, beverage and great live entertainment.

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